Social Hike: Beethoven Hills + Seegrotte

Medieval forest exploration Be inspired like Beethoven, who roamed these hills in 1814. After gathering at Vienna Main Station (Wien Hauptbahnhof) we'll catch a 20-minute train to a quaint municipality just outside Vienna. A short walk will lead us straight through town and up to its thick walled neo-Gothic church. There, we start our proper hike up and around this picturesque mountain with its token 12th-century castle, which also starred in Stephen Herek's "The Three Musketeers". Expect a lush pine forest, magnificent views and impressive medieval architecture. But that's not all. Underway we'll also take a detour to the nearby Seegrotte, Europe's largest underwater lake. A mystical place brimming with history. Underway we'll have fun with ice breakers, discussion prompts and local trivia. Highlights • Seegrotte underwater lake • Pepper tin chapel ruins • Impressive castle built in the 1200's • Roman-style amphitheatre • Stone tower • 15th century parish church • City stroll Finishing up the afternoon, we'll take a leisurely stroll through the town's medieval city center before hopping back on our train to Vienna Main Station (Wien Hauptbahnhof). Your host is an outward-thinking individual who lived in three cultures on two continents. Fluent in 7½ languages, he visited 40+ countries from Nicaragua to North Korea and loves sharing off-beat travel stories. Ask him anything! Total time: ~5½ hours Language: English Wear: Firm shoes, rain gear depending on weather Price includes train tickets and friendly host. Discounts available for early birds, repeat participants, train pass holders (ÖBB-Klimaticket/Interrail) and groups. Entrance fee for the 1-hour Seegrotte guided tour and boat ride is ~EUR 18 (not included). In case of severely bad weather, this event will be postponed.